This weekend has been incredible for the NFL. Sometimes the Wildcard round doesn’t live up to the hype since the matchups can be so one sided, but these were outstanding. The fact that Buffalo and Cinci were nearly upset and that the Vikings already shit the bed after their amazing 13 win season.

And the wildcard round comes to an end tonight. Where America’s team plays against the Bucs in Tampa Bay. And yes, the cowboys are americas team. Even if everyone hates on them… have you seen the NFL Viewership report?

ANYWAY let’s talk about The Blog’s performance… 1-3 is not great but we’re still living our best life loving this amazing football. -2.09 Units yesterday but let’s turn it around, The Blog’s total goes to…

+0.46 Units (+2.97 Lifetime)

Now, I know the blogs have been light, but I’m still traveling and it’s hard to do extensive research on multiple games for me when I’m doing this as a hobby… but if someone paid me now we’re talking.

Let’s get on with it. One game one winner. The cap to an amazing Wild Card Weekend

I’ll probably dabble in some prop plays, so check out my Action Network mobile page!

Dallas @ Tampa Bay 7:15 pm CST

(Cowboys -2.5, O/U 45.5)

So I need to preface this pick with a few things. I am a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan. I couldn’t tell you really why… My father is a die hard fan, and I think it was just passed down to me.

The issue is, I’ve never experienced Dallas Cowboys success. I’ve never experienced that winning culture. I’m the generation of Dallas fandom that only knows pain. I’ve seen this movie before. I know how it ends.

And to put the cherry on top, I’m going to experience this game in person. My first Football game I’ve ever attended will be the finale to this amazing Super Wildcard Weekend.

The Cowboys at times have looked like a real Super Bowl contender. When their defense was constantly pressuring the quarterback and able to shut down the sideline making the other side to throw over the middle in traffic.

But this team just can’t do that anymore. The injuries to the cornerbacks have piled up to the point the second corner is just a scarecrow hoping to get in the way. The team doesn’t get pressure on the quarterback the way they used to. I’m not sure if it’s a scheming thing or if other coaches have found shit on tape.

When these two teams met week 1 Tampa won 19-3, but these were COMPLETELY different teams. The Bucs have had an awful season offensive line riddled with injuries, team not able to get the run game going, and Todd Bowles looking like one of the worst coaching hires. But here they are NFC South champions with a home playoff game.

The most important edge in this game is how fast Tom Brady can get rid of the ball. This is going to really neutralize Dallas’ pass rush. With Tampa Tom’s offensive line getting healthy and having players return, that spells trouble for my Cowboys.

The best way for Dallas to make an impact on defense and to shut down Tom is to force the third down and 7+ yards. But with how unhealthy Dallas is on the outside those quick slants are going to be open.

As much as I hate to say it, and even though I’m going to be rooting my balls off in Raymond James stadium for the Cowboys, the pick is clear.  Bucs (underdog?) moneyline.

Tampa Bay Moneyline (+125)

Risk 1 Unit to win 1.25

Zabe’s Futures

In this section, I will keep track of any futures that I will be placing for The Blog.

December 11, 2022: CASHED
Georgia to win the NCAAF Championship (-130)
Risk 4 Units to win 3.08

If you have been following along on my Saturday “The Bets” blogs, you will know my opinion on this Georgia team and the other three teams in this playoff. Georgia is just SO much better.

Remember Bama in their hay day? Yeah, that is this team and we are STILL getting decent odds because people don’t want to accept that the playoff system is still non-competitive.

Now, this play DOES count for the blog. If it hits, it will go toward The Blog’s total. If it misses, the -4 will still go towards The Blog’s total.

Zabe’s Past

2022 Total (October start): +2.51 Units

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Confused by what all these numbers mean in “The Bets”?

Check out Behind the Blog to learn a little more about what this all means! It’s really not that complicated!